Keystone Exam - Parent Information
Act 158 of 2018 (Act 158)
As many of you are already aware, the Pennsylvania General Assembly Passed Act 158 of 2018 to modify the graduation requirements for all students in the state of Pennsylvania. This law requires that every student meet a graduation requirement of proficiency on the Keystone Exams or via an alternative pathway. Please refer to the infographic (or see reference below) to help explain the different pathways that we as a school may use to gauge your child's fulfillment of this graduation requirement. This resource also serves as our tool to assist us in our conversations with families as we work in partnership to chart their child's path to graduation.
In addition to fulfilling Mechanicsburg Area School District’s graduation requirements, students of the Class of 2023 and beyond must successfully meet the requirements of one of the five pathways outlined below per Act 158 of 2018 (Act 158).
Pathway One - Keystone Proficiency
Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments meant to help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards and assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. These generally occur during a student’s 10th grade year - some their 9th or 11th.
This pathway is fulfilled if a student achieves “Proficient” or “Advanced” on the Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams.
Pathway Two - Keystone Composite
At least 1 Keystone Exam scaled score is 1500 or Greater.
No Keystone Exam score is Below Basic.
The Keystone Exam 3-score composite is 4452 or Greater.
For some members of the class of 2023 - The Keystone Exam 2-score composite is 2939 or Greater (where eligible under §121.1).
Pathway Three - Career & Technical Education
Earning at least a passing grade for the high school courses associated with each Keystone Exam (Algebra I, Biology, Literature) in which the student is less than Proficient AND attain one of the following:
An industry-based competency certification - Cumberland-Perry CTC - NOCTI Certification
Demonstration of a high likelihood of success on an approved industry based competency assessment
Readiness for continued meaningful engagement in CTE concentrator’s program of stud
Pathway Four - Alternative Assessment
Earning at least a passing grade for the high school courses associated with each Keystone Exam (Algebra I, Biology, Literature) in which the student is less than Proficient AND attain one of the following:
SAT - Score 1010 or higher
PSAT - Score 970 or above
ACT - Score 21 or above
ASVAB - Score 31 or better
AP Exam score of at least 3 - related to the subject of EACH Keystone Exam the student did not score proficient or advanced
Successful completion of dual enrollment course related to subject of EACH Keystone Exam not scored proficient or advanced
Successful completion of pre-apprenticeship program
ACT WorkKeys - Gold Level
Earn acceptance to an accredited four-year nonprofit postsecondary institution AND have evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework (non-remedial)
Pathway Five - Evidence-Based
Earning at least a passing grade for the high school courses associated with each Keystone Exam (Algebra I, Biology, Literature) in which the student is less than Proficient AND attain ONE artifact in category one AND attain TWO artifacts in category two:
Category One (Must Have One)
A score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam
Acceptance to any accredited nonprofit post-secondary institution and evidence of the ability to enroll in college level work
Industry-recognized credential
Successful completion of a Dual Enrollment or postsecondary course
Category Two (Must Have Two)
Additional items in Category one
Service-learning project completion
Proficient or advanced on a Keystone Exam
Letter guaranteeing full-time employment
Successful completion of an internship or cooperative education program
Meeting the NCAA Clearinghouse requirements, including a 2.0 GPA
Students who score below these marks can still meet the state requirements for graduation by meeting the descriptors established in Pathways two through five.
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Our team at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School will be in communication with families on their next steps in this process. As always, thank you for your trust and please reach out to your child's school counselor if you need any further clarification.
Please click here to access State Assessment Procedures, including MASD Testing Procedures and PA Department of Education Notifications.
Please reach out to your counselor/child’s counselor if you have specific questions.
Emma Kromka, A-D,
Email Emma KromkaAshlyn Ecker, E-K,
Email Ashlyn EckerJoel Covert, L-R,
Email Joel CovertCori Galbraith, S-Z,
Email Cori Galbraith